Women and domestic violence in Mashonaland East province 2000-2017

Abstract

Very little is known about the living experiences faced by most abused women who live in the rural areas in Zimbabwe as they continue to be victims of domestic violence. The current study attempts to redress this shot-fall by listening to women’s issues, understanding their family situations and assess strategies that have been advanced as well as information to prevent cases of domestic violence in Mashonaland East province. Studies have shown that domestic violence cases are rampant in most rural areas due to deep cultural values which perpetuate the subordination of women. This study looks at the issues of domestic violence and its effects on -women in Mashonaland East province. The study also seeks to highlight the major factors that contribute to women abuse and its impacts on women. The data gathered for this dissertation was primarily gathered through interviews with a variety of respondents from both the victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. The main objective being to understand the root causes of women abuse and why women continue to be victims of domestic violence in spite the introduction of different strategies that has been advanced to reduce cases of domestic violence. These interviews reviewed that most cases of domestic violence are due to poverty, religious beliefs which promotes women subordination, higher illiteracy rates and traditional beliefs and stereotyping. The study also analysed effects of domestic violence on women, children and the family. The study in the end will highlight different strategies that have been advanced in Mashonaland East province to reduce cases of domestic violence and assess their effectiveness. These strategies include; the Domestic Violence Act, the Sexual Offenses Act, Victim Friendly unit and the role played by the Ministry of Women, Gender and Community Development. The role played by Non- governmental Organizations shall also be assessed in efforts to reduce cases of domestic violence in Mashonaland East province.